The Artemis II mission worked—but should we really keep returning to the moon?

image via New Scientist

April 13, 2026, 10:00 AM

• •Artemis II mission, which successfully returned from the moon.
• •The mission is part of the Artemis program, which aims to establish a permanent research station on the moon.
• •The discussion highlighted the high costs and environmental impacts of the mission and the question of whether resources could be spent differently.
• •Panelists debated the difference between space exploration and space colonialism, and the ethical considerations of space travel.

The Artemis II mission successfully returned from lunar orbit, reigniting the question of why NASA is returning to the moon. A panel of Scientific American staff members discussed the mission's costs, climate impacts, and long-term value, as well as the potential for space colonialism. The discussion highlights differing views on space exploration's prioritization amidst Earthly challenges, as well as the debate over the ethics of space exploration and potential environmental impacts. The conversation touched on the future of Artemis missions, including Artemis III and beyond, as the program aims to establish a permanent presence on the moon.

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